Home Security Camera Placement in Las Vegas: Where to Aim

Home security camera placement matters more than the number of cameras you buy. In Las Vegas, the best plan covers every entry point a person would use, captures faces rather than the tops of heads, and accounts for intense sun and heat. ASAP Security’s security camera installation starts with exactly that kind of walk-through.

Where should home security cameras go first?

Start with the places a person must pass to reach your door or valuables. For most Las Vegas homes, that’s four spots: the front entry, the driveway, side gates and the backyard entry.

Front door and porch

The front door is the most-used entry, so it deserves a camera that captures a clear face at conversational distance. Many homeowners handle this with a video doorbell, then add a second camera covering the walkway and porch for packages. Our video doorbell planning guide covers mounting height, wiring and Wi-Fi at the door.

Driveway and garage

A driveway camera records vehicles, arrivals and anyone approaching the garage. Mount it to look down the driveway toward the street rather than straight across it, so people walk toward the lens instead of past it.

Side yards and gates

Side gates between block walls are easy to overlook and often hidden from the street. A camera at each gate shows who enters the side yard, even when nobody inside the house can see it.

Back patio and sliding doors

Rear sliders and patio doors face a private yard, which is exactly why they need coverage. A camera under the patio cover can watch the slider and the yard without staring into the afternoon sun.

How high should you mount a security camera?

Mount outdoor cameras high enough that they can’t be easily reached or knocked off, but not so high that they only record the tops of heads. A camera under the eaves is out of reach, but it may need a tighter angle or a second, lower camera at the door to capture faces.

A simple test helps. Have someone walk your main approach while you watch the live view on your phone. If you can’t make out their face at the door, adjust the angle or add a camera closer to eye level, such as a doorbell camera.

How do Las Vegas heat and sun affect camera placement?

Desert conditions change where and how cameras should be installed. Heat, glare and dust are the three to plan for.

• Heat: Check each camera’s rated operating temperature on the manufacturer’s spec sheet. Where you can, mount cameras under eaves or patio covers instead of on walls in full sun.
• Glare: A lens that faces the rising or setting sun can wash out the image for part of the day. Watch the view at different times before you settle on an angle.
• Dust and wind: Desert dust builds up on lenses, and monsoon winds can shift loose mounts. Plan placement so you can reach the camera to wipe the lens, and use solid, weatherproof mounting.

Where should you not put security cameras?

Some placements cause more problems than they solve. Avoid these:

• Aiming into a neighbor’s windows or yard. Keep the view on your own property. If a camera catches part of the street or a shared wall, angle it to minimize what you don’t need.
• Inside private areas. Bedrooms and bathrooms aren’t the place for cameras, especially in homes with guests, renters or caregivers.
• Recording audio without thinking it through. Audio recording raises separate legal and privacy questions from video. If you want audio, get advice first, and tell household members and regular visitors that cameras are in use.
• Behind glass. Infrared night vision can reflect off a window and blind the camera after dark.

If you live in an HOA community, read your CC&Rs before mounting anything on a shared wall, gate or common area. Our guide to HOA common-area security cameras explains how boards usually approach camera decisions.

Do you need indoor security cameras too?

Indoor cameras are optional, but they help in a few situations: watching a main hallway or entry from the garage, checking on pets, or keeping an eye on a home while you travel. Place them where someone would have to walk after getting inside, not in private rooms.

If you’re weighing indoor versus outdoor models or wired versus wireless systems, start with our overview of security cameras in Las Vegas. Heading out of town? Our home security checklist for travel covers what to check before you leave.

How do you keep your camera system secure?

Cameras protect your home only if the system itself is protected. Treat the app and recorder like any other important account.

1. Replace default passwords on the cameras, recorder and app with a strong, unique password.
2. Turn on two-step login in the camera app if it offers one.
3. Keep firmware and apps updated, ideally with automatic updates turned on.
4. Limit who has access. Give each household member their own login and remove access for people who move out or stop working at the home.

How ASAP Security plans home security camera placement in Las Vegas

ASAP Security has served Southern Nevada since 2003. Every camera project starts with a free on-site consultation and camera placement design. We survey the property, look for coverage gaps, and recommend cameras for each spot.

Our licensed technicians handle wiring, mounting and configuration. Before we leave, we set up remote viewing on your phone and walk you through live view, motion alerts and playback. Systems can use cloud storage, a local recorder (NVR/DVR) or both, and they can work with your existing alarm as part of a complete residential security system.

We serve Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Pahrump and Boulder City.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many security cameras does a typical house need?

It depends on the layout, not a set number. Count the ways someone can reach your doors and garage: front entry, driveway, each side gate and the back slider. Then cover each one. A free on-site consultation will show any gaps.

Should outdoor cameras be visible or hidden?

Visible cameras may discourage some people from trying, while less visible ones are harder to avoid or tamper with. Many homeowners use both: a visible camera at the front, plus cameras placed less obviously at side gates and the back of the house.

Can I install security cameras in my HOA community?

Usually, yes, on your own home, but HOAs may have rules about where devices can be mounted and what they can see. Check your CC&Rs and architectural guidelines before installing anything on shared walls or common areas.

Do security cameras work at night?

Most modern security cameras include infrared night vision for recording in darkness. Placement still matters: infrared can reflect off windows, and bright lights in the frame can affect the image. Testing the view after dark is part of a good installation.

Talk to ASAP Security About Your Camera Plan

If you’re not sure where your cameras should go, start with a walk-through. We’ll map your entry points, recommend placement and give you a clear quote.

Get Free Quote or call (702) 870-8880.

ASAP Security is a locally owned First Alert Authorized Dealer serving Southern Nevada since 2003. Nevada Contractor License #0058622 (Bid Limit $50,000) | Locksmith License: LV L0600194-E107635.